Words / C2

EKSTR-ik-ayt/ˈekstrɪkeɪt/

Extricate means free from a tangle or difficulty (formal): extricate the firm from a contract, extricate yourself from a conversation. Extract is pull something out (a tooth, a quote). Rescue is everyday and more dramatic. You extricate someone from a mess; you do not extricate a quote from a book — that is extract.

Meaning

To free someone or something from a difficulty or tangle (formal).

Examples

• “She extricated the department from the failed contract.”
• “She extricated the department from the printer contract without a penalty.”
• “He could not extricate his sleeve from the door, which is the literal tangle.”

Good to know

Free from a mess/tangle (formal). Mix-up: extract (pull out a piece). Everyday: get out of. From + difficulty.

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